CHICAGO Hyatt Hotels Corp. made its selection for an in-room, high-speed Internet provider and plans to announce the news just prior to the HITEC technology conference being held in Orlando June 26-28, HOTEL BUSINESS. has learned.
Hyatt is one of the last of the major hotel companies to select a provider, and it s possible the waiting may have paid off. Many major players in the industry last year rushed to sign with Internet providers that offered a free-installation program whose earnings were to be based on a revenue-sharing model. That free-model solution has gone by the wayside, with many providers opting out of the hospitality business, which had proven to be unprofitable.
Robert Bansfield, assistant vp/MIS for Hyatt, declined to name the selected provider, noting that while the RFP process had been completed, the deal has yet to be finalized.
Hyatt last month said it had selected its “preferred” high-speed Internet provider for its meeting rooms. Virginia-based Core Communications is set to install the service in all 120 domestic Hyatt properties by the end of the year. The service uses a T-1 line, as well as a high-speed network solution that gives groups access local area networks (LAN) and virtual private networks (VPN), letting them demonstrate on-line products, and conduct computer/Internet based training classes. A T-3 solution will be available on an as-needed basis. (5/30/01) Ruthanne Terrero